December 4, 2012

Studying abroad gives students a chance to spread their wings and
experience life outside their country. In an
increasing globalized world, having international experience on your resume is
extremely important if you are looking to impress. Where you would like to study largely depends
on your subject. If you are looking to
study a language, then it makes sense to study in its country of origin. Some universities have particularly
prestigious courses, so it is wise to look at them if you are aiming high.

Many companies exist to assist you in your choice of subject and country
of study, whereas some universities have affiliations with many other
universities across the world and offer the chance to study at one or a number
of these institutions. Below are some of
the top study abroad destinations:

1.Italy

Italy comes top in student’s searches for international study. This renowned country captures all of the
romance and cultural ideals of studying abroad.
But romance aside, there are many reasons to study in Italy. Italy is eighth in world ranking of most
industrial countries and is a hub of international business and trade. It is also home to possibly the world’s first
university, Università di Bologna
(UNIBO), plus 90 other higher education institutions. If you are looking
to study arts or languages, Panrimo Study Abroad Program offers a highly
regarded scheme at Santa Reparta International School of Art in Florence, where
they have on the ground staff to help with all of your needs and organize
sightseeing trips.

2. United Kingdom

With the UK boasting four out of the top ten highest-ranking
universities in the world (with the other six being in the USA), it is no
surprise that it is a popular choice for studying abroad. Studying in the UK has the undoubted language
benefit for those who do not speak a foreign language, and with over 300
universities to choose from, there is no shortage of choice. There are a number of ways to apply to a UK
university: you can contact a particular university directly, as the majority
have foreign student schemes, or you can go via an agency that specializes in
study abroad programs. The former is
best if you know specifically where you would like to study, whereas the latter
will be able to help you choose the right course and university for you, and
possibly help with the practicalities such as visas.

3. Spain

If studying Spanish or Hispanic Studies is your ambition, then spending
a semester or year in Spain will be of huge benefit to you. This beautiful and diverse country has a rich
cultural heritage and its people are known for their welcoming nature. Many of the universities have their own
foreign student programs, but if you don’t know where to start in finding the
scheme for you, the API Study Abroad Program at the University of Salamanca is
a well-respected one. This program
offers courses that are fully integrated with the Spanish students or in
separate international classes. They
also offer the choice of accommodation in halls of residence or in the home of
local families. This program also has
its own support staff on the campus and provides trips for students to get a
taste of the entire country.

4. Australia

Famous for its wonderful beaches, relaxed lifestyle and diverse culture,
Australia is a very appealing destination for those wanting to study
abroad. The University of Queensland
offers a comprehensive program for foreign students, which can be arranged
through GlobaLinks. The University of
Queensland is ranked in the top 50 world universities and offers courses across
all subject areas. It is located in the St Lucia district of Brisbane, a
vibrant, metropolitan city close to Moreton Bay beach.

5. China

With all of the business and industrial world looking to China for their
innovations and investments, it is the ideal country to study. The country itself is vast and is a land of
both economic prosperity and hardship.
China is welcoming of international students and many of the
universities offer programs for American students. USAC has an affiliation with Shanghai
University, which offers business studies and Mandarin in the world’s largest
city.

6. France

The thought of studying in France may stir up images of romance, art and
picturesque scenery but it is also a center of academia. If you are fluent in French already, then
there are 85 universities across France, with 5 being in Paris, that have
international student programs. For
those wanting to experience France but do not have language skills, there is
another option. The American University
of Paris teaches across 33 minor and 16 major subjects and welcomes students
from all across the world, whilst still teaching in English. It teaches to the American system and
incorporates American style co-curricular activities, allowing a seamless
transition from your home university to Paris.

Alice Norum
works as a freelance writer for topessayservices.com, quality essay writing service reviews
website.